Navigating and Using the PDF version of your Textbook
Using the PDF version of your textbook
Most OER will have both an online/web book and PDF versions. The PDF versions of your textbook contain all the same text as the web-based versions. They may also contain:
- Text based versions of the interactive activities found in the online web book
- Text based review questions or activities
- Links to embedded videos and external resources
- Footnotes listed at bottom of the PDF page, or the end of the chapter
- Glossary terms (listed at end of PDF file in alphabetical order)
Digital PDF vs Print PDF – What’s the difference?
- A digital PDF (see an example of this guide in digital PDF) contains active links (just like a website) that you can click, and will lead you to websites, videos and other resources. You will need internet access to use a digital PDF effectively
- A print PDF (see an example of this guide in digital PDF) is optimized for printing, saving and using offline (without internet access). In some cases, the only difference you’ll notice is the lack of clickable links in the print PDF. Most PDF versions of OER should show you typed out links in a print PDF, rather than clickable ones. You should see an actual URL typed out – such as https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/georgianoer/ .
In most cases, the content of a digital, print, or web-based OER should be the same, or very similar, but the layout and presentation of the information may look different. When we create OER at Georgian for student use, an effort is made to ensure that the web book, the digital PDF and the print PDF all provide equivalent experiences.
How to get started
- Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for your device (free download) if you do not already have a PDF viewer
- Review Navigating PDF pages, Adobe Acrobat for help working with the PDF of the full book
Downloading Acrobat Reader
Watch How to Download & Install Acrobat Reader on Windows 10 (5 mins) on YouTube
Video source: Amit Thinks. (2022, July 28). How to download & install Adobe Acrobat Reader for free on Windows 10/ 11 [Updated August 2022] [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8f_Lnf9njR4?si
How to Download your textbook in PDF format
How to Download your textbook in PDF format (Text version)
Download Georgian OER – Pressbooks
If your class is using an OER created at Georgian
- visit the “Accessing and Using this Textbook” page for your book
- review the table for access options
- download the whole PDF in digital (active links) or print (if desired) OR
- navigate to the heading “Download specific textbook chapters as individual files (optimized for printing)”
- download just the chapters you will use (check your syllabus)
Download Other Pressbook OER
OER without the “Accessing and Using this Textbook” page:
- go to the main page for the book
- look for the Download this book dropdown menu (download options may vary by book)
- select either:
- ePUB – used with some eBook readers
- Digital PDF – clickable links, use with internet connection
- Print PDF – optimized for printing, no clickable links
Download OpenStax OER
On the main page of the book:
- Access the Book Details page
- Look for the Download a PDF link
- Click “go to your File”
From any page in the book:
- Go to Book details using the link at top left to book title
- Look for the Download a PDF link
- Click “go to your File”
Note: You do not need to donate in order to access the file.
Download a LibreTexts OER
On any page in the book:
- Use the PDF icon on the navigation menu (top of page)
- Select whether you’d like to download the whole book or just the page
Navigating & Reading your PDF textbook
The full PDF version of your textbook is similar to a book or eBook. It contains
- A table of contents (clickable links in Digital PDF)
- Bookmarks to specific chapters/sections
- Page numbers
Navigating a PDF file
Watch How to Open a PDF and Navigate Acrobat (10 mins) on YouTube
Video source: Intellezy Learning. (2022, November 17). How to open a PDF and navigate Acrobat [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/jIgNQoSgbLk
Further Resources & Tips
Attribution & References
Except where otherwise noted, this page by Jen Booth, OER Design Studio at the Georgian College Library is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
